Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction: Battle of Bottom Feeders In Southwest Division
Updated March 16, 2026
Updated March 16, 2026
The Dallas Mavericks travel to Louisiana on Monday night for a meeting with the New Orleans Pelicans in a game involving two Western Conference teams that have struggled this season. Both clubs sit near the bottom of the standings, yet the matchup still carries meaning with young players gaining valuable experience and both teams playing for pride. Dallas enters after a surprising offensive outburst in its previous game, while New Orleans is trying to bounce back from a defeat that slipped away in the closing seconds. Before tip-off in the Crescent City, continue reading for my Mavericks vs Pelicans prediction.
Dallas arrives in New Orleans during a road-heavy portion of its schedule. The Mavericks have played several road games in a short stretch and fatigue could play a role here. Despite their difficult season, they recently produced one of their best offensive displays with a 130-point outing in a win over Cleveland. Rookie forward Cooper Flagg continues to show why he is viewed as a centerpiece for the franchise. His scoring and playmaking duties have grown as the season has progressed.
The Pelicans have also endured a difficult year, though they have shown flashes of offensive potential lately. They are averaging over 115 points per game and have several players capable of scoring in bunches. New Orleans nearly pulled out a late comeback win in its previous contest before mistakes in the closing seconds changed the result in a loss to the Houston Rockets. Playing at home should provide a boost as the Pelicans attempt to improve their record in the Smoothie King Center.
New Orleans Pelicans
Dallas Mavericks
Stat | Mavericks | Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
Points per game | 113.2 | 115.4 |
Points allowed per game | 118.1 | 119.8 |
Team Field Goal % | 47% | 46% |
Rebounds Per Game | 44.8 | 44.0 |
Assists Per Game | 25.1 | 25.1 |
While both teams have experienced difficult seasons, New Orleans enters this game with several subtle advantages. The Pelicans have been slightly better on offense, scoring over 115 points per game, and they are playing at home, where their pace and scoring often improve. Dallas is also dealing with a demanding travel schedule, which can affect shooting efficiency and defensive focus. I will take the Pelicans to win this contest and cover the spread in this battle of struggling teams on Monday night.
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